Bloodlust

By Fran Heckrotte

YEMAYA AND DAKOTA have just returned to the Illusionist’s homeland for a well-earned vacation when they are informed that several villagers have been savagely attacked and killed by something or someone. At the same time, a young Carpi woman is found lying unconscious near the outskirts of Teraclia. Comatose, she is unable to tell anyone what has happened and science can provide no answers. Two small wounds on her throat raise the old specter of the vampire, a legend the locals of the Transylvanian community are very familiar with and still believe to this day.

The Illusionist and her partner search for the truth behind these attacks. Will they fall prey to the murderous bloodlust that surrounds them, or will they succeed in stopping this heinous reign of terror?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fran Heckrotte
• Release date: Dec 21, 2015
• ISBN: 9781939950123

Fran Heckrotte

Fran Heckrotte lives in the sunny South. As the author of The Illusionist Series and Solaria series, she is best known for stories that delve into the paranormal, future, other realms and the spirit worlds.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

GRAY TENTACLES of fog crept stealthily through the darkened forest, creating the illusion of shadows moving through the night. One by one, the trees disappeared, hiding everything from the prying eyes of those who didn’t belong in the secluded valley. Sarpe lay loosely coiled, resting among a thick carpet of leaves beneath an ancient oak tree. She enjoyed the solitude and warmth of the sunbaked earth. More importantly, she could dream undisturbed. Her recent sojourn in the mortal world had depleted her essence, leaving her sluggish. Exhausted, eyes closed, she listened to the subtle sounds of the night.

In the distance, Vyushir, the wolf spirit, and her pack could be heard running among the trees, their high-pitched howls penetrating the stillness. The younger wolves were enjoying the chase, probably pursuing a deer.

Sarpe knew the night was a special time for wolves. Rarely did Vyushir take mortal form to run with her kin. This night, as a reward for Regina’s years of wisdom and loyalty, the wolf spirit granted her Chosen renewed youth so she could once again remind her pack why she was queen. The pack leader had aged beyond the point of keeping up with her offspring during the evening forays.

Welcome to my world, a bubbly voice whispered to her right, interrupting the Sarpe’s thoughts.

Half opening one eye, the serpent spirit stared lazily at the green and purple haired spirit sitting beside her.

Sso much for peacce and quiet.

Arbora laughed. The limbs above them swayed gently, sending a flurry of leaves to the ground. Sarpe gave an exasperated sigh. To most spirits, the golden-brown, elliptical eyes appeared cold and lifeless. Sarpe gave the intruder a perturbed look, sending Arbora into a fit of giggles.

Thank you, Sarpe hissed, pretending to be annoyed. The woodland spirit showed her no respect at times. I ssee you have not losst your ssensse of humor, or your penchant for changing hair color.

Why Sarpe, age doesn’t diminish a sense of humor. Arbora reached over to stroke the smooth golden forehead of the other spirit. At least for some of us. I’m surprised you didn’t hear me. You must be growing old.

I am old. I heard you. Perhapss it iss you who grow old, she countered. I like it here. It’ss peacceful. Thiss meadow iss quiet. The earth warm.

Ah, poor Sarpe, and here I am disturbing you, Arbora said sympathetically, trying to appear serious. I’ll leave you alone. Enjoy your rest, old friend. This is a magical place. It soothes the soul, even those of our world. I’m off to meet Ursa. We promised Maopa and Mari we’d attend the preparations for their union at the Great Falls. You’re more than welcome to join us. We can always use another hand, figuratively speaking, of course. Arbora laughed, her lavender eyes twinkling with mischief.

Of coursse. Ssomething I would obviously exccel at. Sarpe rolled her eyes and shook her head.

Arbora’s laughter echoed through the forest. For the normally stoic serpent-spirit to show any emotion was amusing.

Not tonight. My besst to the Earth Mother and Maopa.

I’ll give them your message.

A faint breeze caressed the exhausted spirit’s body as her friend departed. Arbora was one of the few whose touch was tolerated by the serpent.

Alone once again, Sarpe sighed contentedly and closed her eyes. Her thoughts wandered to others of her world. She was happy Mari and Maopa were joining. The Earth Mother’s renewed interest in the spirit and mortal worlds was welcomed by everyone. Even Intunecat was more approachable.

Ursa and Arbora, they were an odd couple, but had been together a long time. Sarpe still didn’t understand the attraction between the huge bear spirit and the dainty forest spirit. Ursa was always grumpy, except in the presence of the easygoing Arbora, who never lost her zest for life. Perhaps that was the secret to their success. Ursa’s somber nature needed Arbora’s exuberance. Sarpe wasn’t sure what Arbora got from the relationship, but apparently both were quite happy.

Sarpe’s musings were interrupted by the faint rustle of leaves as something moved among the trees. Raising her head slightly, she stared into the darkness and flicked her tongue, lightly tasting the air. To her left a shadow moved, unaware of the spirit’s presence. It was a woman.

Humans rarely wandered the forests at night. Sarpe became curious. Uncoiling her long body, she silently followed the human through the undergrowth. The woman stopped near the edge of the town. Sarpe coiled into her favorite position and watched. Another woman stepped from an alleyway and approached the the tall woman standing in the shadows.

Jusst a trysst, Sarpe thought, quickly losing interest. Then the taller woman wrapped her arms around her companion and began to sway. The woman pressed her companion close. Their hips moved seductively from side to side in a slight circular motion. She combed her fingers through her partner’s hair, then traveled down the woman’s cheek, along her neck before resting on her left breast. Twisting and turning, they writhed in a mating dance not unlike that of snakes. Arms and legs intertwined as the tempo increased.

Sarpe could feel the heat from their bodies, smell the scent of their passion. The low humming of the seductress first inflamed, then soothed her prey, and then repeated the cycle. Her victim no longer had the strength or the will to resist. Hands caressed sensitive areas, leaving the woman weak and vulnerable.

Twirling around, the human faced Sarpe, making unexpected eye contact with her. The spirit jerked back and hissed. Eyes the color of ice glowed unnaturally bright, red flames flickering mysteriously in their depths. The seductress spotted the snake and frowned.

Sarpe lowered her gaze and her head. She nestled into the leaves, feigning a sleepy indifference. When she reopened her eyes, the stranger’s back was turned toward her.

The spirit decided to leave but hesitated. The woman’s lips curled upward, exposing slightly elongated canine teeth. As swift as a cobra’s strike, she sank them deep into the other’s throat. Seconds later, the attacker withdrew her fangs, leaned down, and effortlessly picked up her victim. She carried her to a dimly lit area and gently lowered the unconscious woman to the ground, making sure she rested comfortably against a stone wall. Then she stepped away, walked back into the forest and stopped.

Only after the body was discovered did she leave. Passing within a few feet of Sarpe, the woman stopped and looked down, again making eye contact with the serpent. She frowned but moved on.

Troubled, Sarpe returned to the Eternal Flame. The female looked human, but wasn’t. As one of the eldest spirits, Sarpe knew most living things. Still, the world was changing. A species could evolve and go unnoticed. One day, she would track this one down and learn more.

CHAPTER 2

SHE WAS EKIMMU, born in ancient Babylon. Her father was Elil, reputed to be one of the great ancient gods of Mesopotamia. Her mother, Inanna, was thought to be from the land of Sumeria. In truth, they were neither.

Elil and Inanna arrived in Babylon during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar. The king had married a young woman, Amyitis, to form an alliance with the land of Medes. As a gift to make her feel more at home, he decreed that part of the city be rebuilt with mountains and gardens. A call went out to the people offering a fortune to anyone who could accomplish the task. Elil and Inanna appeared a few days later. Impressed by their innovative ideas, the king commissioned them for the task.

During their stay, a plague raged through the city. Young women were discovered unconscious, and remained comatose for days, sometimes weeks. Eventually they recovered, though they often remained pale and weak for months. Many spoke of strange dreams, dreams never quite remembered but never completely forgotten. No one suffered permanent damage. Still, the victims were shunned.

As chief adviser to the king, Inanna assured the people that the plague would end. It did. Shortly afterward, she gave birth to a baby girl with dark skin and pale eyes.

* * *

Ekimmu was twelve when her family was forced to leave Babylon. She remembered happy days spent playing in the hanging gardens above the roofs of the city. Her mother chased her through the shrubs while her father watched in amusement. Elil was tall with broad shoulders, golden hair, pale skin, and bright blue eyes that twinkled when he smiled or laughed. Inanna was the complete opposite – dark skinned with honey golden eyes. Both were an anomaly to their adopted people, who were dark-haired with eyes black as coal. Although several inches shorter than Elil, Inanna towered above the Babylonians.

Beautiful beyond imagination, neither showed signs of aging. That provided a fertile environment for fear among the king’s less favored subjects. When the whispers began, Elil and Inanna knew their time in the great city was over. To protect their daughter, their friends, and their adopted homeland, they sacrificed their own happiness.

One night, the three simply vanished, leaving everything behind except what could be carried by hand. The next day, most of the people of Babylon wept.

For centuries, they traveled like gypsies, staying for short periods in remote villages, then moving on. In the land of Daci around 82 B.C. they once again settled down. The Dacians were a loosely knit group of tribes occupying Eastern Europe.

Ekimmu fondly remembered her time with the Carpi, an unusual people who chose to isolate themselves from the other Daci. The arrival of Ekimmu and her parents proved fortuitous for the Carpi. The people had been plagued by mysterious deaths. Young men and women disappeared in the night, only to have their mutilated bodies turn up in the light of day.

Ekimmu was horrified when she discovered that Ramus was committing the atrocities. She had known him since her childhood, but had only learned his true nature later. He was a killer that her parents ignored.

Ekimmu confronted her mother about him. Inanna tried to reassure her that Ramus was an aberration.

Why do you permit this to continue, mother? He destroys lives and families.

Inanna shrugged.

He will move on.

So you simply ignore him and the deaths of our adopted people? They trust us. Is this how we reward that trust?

Sighing, Inanna took Ekimmu’s hand and pulled her down onto the bench next to her.

It’s complicated, she said, rubbing her temples tiredly. Our people aren’t perfect. We have rules to guide us, and most follow them willingly. Others... Shrugging again, Inanna left the sentence unfinished.

"Others do as they wish, free of consequences. Is that what you’re saying? If this is what we are, I hope I don’t meet any others. We’re no better than him. Worse. Doing nothing is condoning everything that he is."

You’re overreacting, dear. Besides, what would you have us do? Kill him? Lower ourselves to his standards? We aspire to greater things.

"Doing nothing is not an aspiration. I hope one day we will be greater, instead of aspiring to be." Ekimmu stood and walked away, leaving Inanna deeply troubled.

Ramus did move on. Ekimmu questioned her mother about his departure, but Inanna merely waved her hand dismissively, saying Elil had handled it. The deaths ceased and Carpi again knew peace. Ekimmu and her parents lived among them for many years, sharing their skills and knowledge.

* * *

The winters were harsh, making it difficult for everyone, but especially the wolves. Wild food was scarce. Domestic cattle were an easy target, providing much needed food for the growing packs.

The Carpi were furious. They hunted the beasts, relentlessly. Strangely, the wolves never retaliated, although there was ample opportunity. Fearing the wolves would be eradicated if the killings continued, Inanna and Elil called a meeting of the village fathers.

It is time we ended this, she said, making eye contact with each of the elders.

Yes, Toria, the village spokesman, agreed. Destroy these beasts once and for all before they wipe out our entire herd.

No! Inanna countered, angrily. You blame every death on wolves. They take little while we gain so much more during the rest of the year. The vermin population is down, giving us enough grain to compensate for our loss.

Bah! You give them too much credit, woman. Their destruction ensures our survival. The cow they kill would feed ten families for a month, Toria argued. They must be killed.

Then you are blind and foolish, Toria. Are you also stupid?

Don’t insult me, Inanna. You show your own stupidity. Wolves have been a pestilence here since our ancestors first arrived. We tried to ignored them, hoping they would go away. They haven’t. Now our lambs and calves are slaughtered.

Much like their young and old. They take only enough to survive the hard times, and then leave us alone. You, however, will not leave them be. You kill every wolf you see.

And we’ll continue to until there are no more on our land. Let them go into the mountains where they came from, Toria declared arrogantly, looking at the others for support. Heads nodded in agreement.

"You will not!" Inanna rose slowly to her feet. Her icy gaze sent a chill down the elder’s spine. There was a fire in her eyes that he had never seen before, and hoped to never see again. "The wolves were here long before you. We are the intruders."

Toria glanced nervously at the others, and rolled his eyes, feigning a courage he didn’t feel. Inanna, you’ve lived among us for many years. Shared our food, our joys and our sorrows. We’re grateful for all that you have done, but you’re still an outsider. We welcome you at our council, but really, child, you are here as a courtesy.

Toria smiled gently, hoping to soften the words, more for showmanship than anything else. Several council members frowned. The condescending tone was inappropriate. Still, no one spoke up.

"Outsider? You dare call me outsider? Toria cringed. I am more than that. We have called this place home for many years. We believed you accepted us as equals. Clearly that is a mistake."

Toria glanced at Elil, his eyes begging him to intervene. The amused look he received wasn’t reassuring.

Forgive us, Inanna, Lysium pleaded. Toria means no disrespect. You are loved by all. Every day we thank the gods for guiding you here. You’re one of us.

Yes, yes, Toria piped in. His leadership was dependent on the support of the council. Alienating them would jeopardize that position. I spoke without thinking. Forgive me.

Fear makes us do and say things we don’t mean, Toria, said Inanna.

Thank you, he replied, bowing his head humbly. Through lowered lids, he quickly scanned the room to assure himself his repentance was noticed. When a few nodded approvingly, he relaxed. What would you have us do?

Arrange a truce.

Truce? With animals? Have you lost your senses?

Inanna laughed.

Wolves are not the ignorant beasts you believe them to be. If you’ll trust me with six of your youngest children and your best cow, I believe I can make peace with them.

The elders looked at one another with skepticism, then reluctantly agreed. Alienating their best healer and adviser was unwise. Once she was proved wrong, they would be magnanimous in their forgiveness, and she would know humility.

The next day, Inanna and the young Carpi traveled deep into the forest. Leading a fat, healthy cow, they searched for signs of the packs.

* * *

Sonia was ancient in wolf years. She had lived longer than most and was familiar with humans. Captured as a pup, she spent many seasons as a pet. Although her owners were loving and kind, the mountains constantly beckoned to her. Eventually, she fled the security of her adoptive home for the wildness of the forests.

Rica, a lone male, discovered her two weeks later. He taught her the way of the wolves. Within a year she gave birth to their first litter. For more than a decade, they raised many sons and daughters until Rica was killed by the same farmer who had taken her in.

Sonia mourned her loss. Death was never easy, but it was inevitable. This, she accepted as a part of life. All packs, whether human or wolf, struggled to survive. The farmer, who had once been her savior, was forgiven.

* * *

Two days passed before they saw any signs of wolves.

This is the place. We’ll camp by the stream, Inanna said." The cow was staked by an ancient oak tree at the edge of the forest.

Inanna felt their presence long before they showed themselves. The cow tugged frantically at the rope. The lead wolf halted. Lowering her tired body to the ground, she shifted her gaze from the cow to the humans. Her pack immediately followed her example.

Inanna rose to her feet.

Welcome, Sonia. Thank you for coming. This winter has been hard on both of our people. I bring you the gift of food for your pack.

The wolf remained motionless, her unblinking brown eyes fixed on the female that spoke her name.

Our people have caused you unimaginable sorrow. For that I am truly sorry. I am here, now, to offer a truce. Let this be the place our people come together in peace. Inanna raised her arms to encompass the surrounding glade.

Unmoved, Sonia continued to stare at the female. The wolf’s eyes were clouded with the opaqueness of age.

I bring you these children, Inanna continued. Three are yours to do with as you wish. They die willingly if it brings peace to your pack for our injustices. However, spare them, teach them, show them your ways, and they will serve you well. Their children and their children’s children will be both guardian and caretaker of all wolves. Inanna knelt on the cool grass and lowered her head. Will you accept this offering, my queen?

Sonia closed her eyes. Her pack didn’t understand the words, but she did. Patiently, they waited. After several minutes, the old she-wolf opened her eyes and stared at the human pups. Unflinchingly, they returned her gaze.

The pain of age was a fire burning in her joints. Slowly, she rose and walked to each child and sniffed. Finally, stopping in front of a young female, she nuzzled her hand. The girl fell to her knees and stroked the gray forehead. She stared into the opaque eyes, smiled, then pressed her cheek against the wolf’s shoulder.

You remember me, don’t you? I was so young, but Mama told me about you. Turning to Inanna, she grinned, shyly. She agrees to your terms. Her young don’t hunger this day. They have no need of the cow. Return it to the villagers. She will collect the debt in a time of need.

On my soul, you have my word it will be paid. Thank you, Sonia. From this moment forward, Carpi and wolf are one. The child stays with you. The others will return in three moons.

Inanna turned to the girl.

Your children will be blessed from this moment on, Yemaya. Learn your duties well and honor the pact.

Grinning, her blue eyes twinkling with mischief, the child nodded, enthusiastically.

Inanna bowed to the old queen, and turned. She and the other children left, their cow in tow. Yemaya, her hand clutching the gray fur on Sonia’s neck, walked into the woods, eager to begin her new life and to be the first to learn the way of the wolf.

CHAPTER 3

DAKOTA’S NOSE twitched. Mmm, she murmured drowsily, eyes still closed. Food!

Yemaya laughed.

Wake up, sweetie. Maria made breakfast for us, your favorites. Eggs, bacon, biscuits, fresh fruit, and juice.

Dakota yawned and opened one eye.

God, you’re beautiful, she whispered, her voice gravelly from sleep.

Flattery will get you everywhere. Yemaya chuckled. But not right now. Sit up so I can serve you.

There’s an offer I’d like to pursue.

Behave. You know what I mean.

Damn. Can’t a girl dream?

Dakota pushed herself into a sitting position and slid backward, leaning against the headboard. Yemaya put the tray on her lap, then climbed in next to her. Picking up a piece of bacon, she placed it against Dakota’s lips. Dakota smiled and took the offering before leaning forward to